New Study Shows Being Overweight May Help People Live Longer

The Journal of the American Medical Association found that being slightly overweight could potentially lead to a longer life.

The study relied on research compiled from more than two million study participants who were involved in research linking mortality risk and weight.

The data shows people that were considered overweight, but not obese, were six percent less likely to die during the study period than thin, normal-weight, or obese participants.

"People in that overweight category [are] possibly getting more preventative healthcare because that overweight BMI does trigger a healthcare professional to maybe look further into someone's health status," said PEIA registered dietician Cathy Shaw.

She stressed how the term "slightly overweight" is drastically different than obese and obesity can lead to major health issues.

Shaw added that people need to focus on promoting healthy habits across the weight spectrum.

Brad Wright, who works as a personal trainer at Pro Performance RX in Morgantown, strongly agreed with the importance of a healthy balance.

"You want to achieve moderation and balance in your life. In other words, you don't have to go all gung-ho and get fitness crazy, and you also don't want to go and splurge and eat tons of sugary meals or carbohydrate meals," said Wright.

He recommends people eat four to six small meals per day and to not eat past 8:00 p.m. He also suggests finding a workout regimen that best fits your lifestyle, and to aim for working out three to five times a week.

Instead of measuring your weight on a scale, Wright said to hip-to-waist ratio or body fat percentage are more accurate ways to keep track of progress.